Noles News: Basketball wins on the road, AJ Duffy shines, baseball on the way

I normally would say that this weekend has been filled with highs and lows, but I can't think of anything negative that happened for the Florida State Seminoles who wrapped up 2021 in good fashion heading into the new year.

Florida State men’s basketball got a much-needed win on the road against the NC State Wolfpack after prolonged COVID-19 protocols left the team vacant for the past three weeks. FSU signee and former 4-star quarterback A.J. Duffy shined during his Under Armor All-American debut and FSU baseball is just weeks away from their February 18th matchup against James Madison.

Let's dive into some of the news that happened over the past few days:

Football

Offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons is still using his NIL to make good for long-time friend Timothy Donovan with BigManBigHeart. Gibbons appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay over the weekend telling Timothy’s story and promoting athletes’ use of their NIL encouraging unity, positivity, and kindness throughout their community:

• Gibbons was the first athlete who partnered with GoFundMe for his cause and continues to embody the Seminole mindset:

While we were all singing about an auld lang syne as the big ball dropped, Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Deuce Spann was catching it, announcing his transfer to Florida State at 12:01 A.M, January 1st:

• Florida State still has some positions that need to be addressed through the portal and will have to continue adding impact transfers in the following weeks.

Recruiting

Holding together a strong 14th ranked recruiting class (2nd in the ACC) the Seminoles are still standing after losing long time commit Travis Hunter.

The Under Armor All-America Game showcased star talents from across the country including FSU signees A.J. Duffy and defensive back Sam McCall. Duffy finished the game with 97 yards through the air, 19 on the ground, a touchdown, and an interception. McCall did not participate as he’s been battling through injuries.

• Blue-chip offensive linemen Julian Armella and Jaylen Early are set to take part in the All-American Bowl, January 8th at 1 P.M.

As always head over to Tomahawk Nation’s FSU Football: OFFICIAL Tribe ‘22 Recruiting Thread #27 and jump in the convo. We’d love to hear your thoughts on all things related and expect a film breakdown of yesterday’s game from The Triple Option in the near future.

Basketball

On the road, after an 18-day delay, men’s basketball sealed an important victory in Raleigh defeating NC State (83-81.)

• FSU vs. NC State: Seminoles pickup big road win in Raleigh

The only low came from the women’s basketball team who lost at Wake Forest in overtime (75-69.) Their game scheduled on Sunday against Syracuse was also postponed due to COVID-19.

Baseball

The Seminoles are nearing their bout against James Madison in February. Brett Nevitt has been doing excellent coverage as always and you can check that out here:

• 7 weeks till FSU baseball: Seven true freshmen to know
• FSU baseball: ‘Noles to add transfer catcher Brock Mathis

For fans and everyone alike, take a moment to visit a Year in Tomahawk: Best of FSU coverage from 2021 to check out the best of the best in coverage throughout a good, albeit teeter-tottering FSU year.